Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While your assailants may have never been caught they are surely facing a much higher power and authority somewhere. Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 30, 2021

Philadelphia police gather to mark 50th anniversary of city’s only unsolved cop murder

Posted on the Philadelphia Enquirer January 30, 2020

Dozens of Philadelphia police officers gathered Thursday in North Philadelphia to mark the 50th anniversary of the murder of Officer Frederick Cione, the only unsolved killing of a police officer in city history

Cione, 25, a first-year officer, was working alone on an overnight shift Jan. 30, 1970, when he was fatally shot in the chest on the 1700 block of West Oxford Street around 1 a.m.

Homicide Lt. Norman Davenport said Thursday that many details surrounding Cione’s killing “remain a mystery to this day,” and he encouraged witnesses to come forward.

Over the years, dozens of people have been questioned, at least two men claimed responsibility, and billboards promised reward money. But nothing materialized as a solid lead.

Davenport acknowledged that it might be difficult to build a criminal case after so many years, but he said: “Every family is deserving of the truth.”

Cione’s relatives — including two nephews who are on the force — attended the ceremony at the site of the killing. Acting Commissioner Christine M. Coulter and Managing Director Brian Abernathy also spoke.

Cione’s brother Nicholas Cione Sr. said officers have frequently told him where they were the night Frederick Cione was killed.

Coulter said: “We want to solve every murder,” and she encouraged witnesses in Cione’s case or any others to come forward.

“Make a difference if you see something,” she said. “Make a difference if you know something.”

Philadelphia police officers Vince Cione, and Nick Cione hang their heads as their father, Nicholas Cione Sr., speaks at a ceremony honoring his brother Frederick Cione on the 1700 block of Oxford Street in North Philadelphia on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. Officer Frederick Cione was fatally shot while patrolling on the block 50 years ago, the only unsolved murder of a Philadelphia cop.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

January 30, 2020

Officer Cione,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 30, 2020

May you rest in peace and always know that we will never stop searching for your killer. Thank you for your service to our City and our Nation. God bless, ADA Anthony Voci, Jr.

anthony j voci
Chief, Homicide Unit, Philadelphia DA's Office

January 30, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 30, 2020

May his soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 13, 2020

Dearest Freddie,

You have never, ever been forgotten in these 49+ years since that horrible day. All of our Philadelphia Police families pray that your Family will have peace one day when those who caused this nightmare will finally be brought to Justice. Even as I write this, it is hard to accept that these 3 heinous criminals have not been captured all these years later. It is well known across the country that yours is the only unsolved murder of a Philadelphia Police Officer, despite the ongoing dedication of the PPD to find your killers.

It is our hope that your remaining Family still know they are not alone in the cause for true Justice. You were a loving young man, raised by a wonderful Philly family. You are not forgotten & never will be. We look to the day when the Philadelphia news stations announce your worthless killers have finally been apprehended.

Your memory is honored to this day. To say thank you will never be enough to express our gratitude for your devotion to the citizens of Philadelphia & for your Military service. Rest in the peace you have earned, dear Officer Cione aka dear Freddie.

Mary Ellen Auman
Wife & Mother of PPD Officers

April 11, 2019

Rest in peace

Sgt. Jim Russo

January 31, 2017

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

January 30, 2015

I was among the Homicide Detectives assigned to investigate the muder of Officer Cione and spent more hours on the case than on any other. We were always optimistic it would be solved. I am still hopeful someone is alive who conscience will compel them to come forward with information which will help bring closure to the Cione family. I have every confidence that the Police Dept. will never cease efforts to solve the case.

Det. Gerald Ross, Jr. (Retired)
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5

September 21, 2013

I was a Homicide Detective assigned to investigate the murder of Police Officer Cione along with many others. I spent more time on this case than any other and was always optimistic that it would solved. I am still hopeful that someone is alive whose conscience will compel them to come forward with information which will help bring closure to the Cione family. I am confident the Philadelphia Police Dept. will never cease efforts to solve this case.

Det. Gerald Ross, Jr. (Retired)
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5

September 21, 2013

As a former Detective in the Homicide Division long since retired, I was assigned to the murder of Officer Cione along with many others. I spent more time on this investigation than on any other case and have always been optimistic that somehow persons responsible for his murder would be brought to justice. I am still hopeful that there may be someone still alive whose conscience will compel them to tell what they know and help bring closure to the family of Officer Cione. I am confident the Police Dept will never give up their search those responsible.

Det. Gerald Ross, Jr. (Retired)
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5

September 21, 2013

I did many tours in the now defunked 23rd District around 1700 West Oxford Street and have seen P/O Fred Cione's picture in the roll call room. Always remember police officers are never forgotten by their brothers in blue. I was one of the lucky ones to be enjoying retirement.

Sergeant Thomas Kelch
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5

October 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 30, 2012

On the 40th anniversary of Officer Cione's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Cione is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

January 30, 2010

There is not a day that goes by that your family doesnt miss you or pays tribute to you. Especially your brother and for those of us that never had a chance to meet you we still love you.

Linda and Lauren Cione
Neice and great neice

May 28, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 6, 2009

Thankyou brother CIONE for service and sacrifice. You are a true hero who will not be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

February 6, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, I AM SORRY THAT JUSTICE HAS NOT YET BEEN SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF. YOU ARE A HERO SIR JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 27, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

I pass your mural almost every day. You were so young! It's so sad that they were never able to arrest the thug that caused this tragedy. I've often thought of your family.

Carol Slavin
neighbor

November 8, 2007

It is so difficult to believe that it has been 37 years. I had the privilege to serve on the honor guard for Officer Cione, and can never forget the tears I shed as he was laid to rest. I only wish the savages that took Fred's life could have been brought to justice. I will always remember this hero in my thoughts and prayers and encourage everyone else to do so also.

Det. PF
PPD (retired)

March 24, 2007

R.I.P MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

POLICE OFFICER RENE SANCHEZ
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, BOSTON MA.

January 7, 2007

May you rest in peace...gone but not forgotten will you always be...

Ronette Clark

February 24, 2006